Golden State Today

Sacramento - Governor Newsom announced today that the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) seized over $53 million in illegal cannabis products in the first quarter of 2024. The crackdown resulted in the eradication of 54,137 unlicensed cannabis plants and the seizure of 31,866 pounds of unlicensed cannabis.

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of cracking down on illegal cannabis operations, stating, “California is home to the largest legal cannabis market in the world. As we continue to cultivate a legal marketplace, we’re taking aggressive action to crack down on those still operating in the shadows — shutting down illegal operations linked to organized crime, human trafficking, and the proliferation of illegal products that harm the environment and public health.”

The operations conducted by UCETF spanned across several counties in California, including Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Orange County. During the period of January 1 through March 31, 2024, a total of $53,620,600 million in illegal cannabis was seized, along with 31,866 pounds of unlicensed cannabis and 54,137 unlicensed cannabis plants eradicated. Additionally, 11 firearms were seized during the enforcement actions.

Since its establishment in 2022, UCETF has seized a total of $371,199,431 in unlicensed cannabis through 236 search warrants. The taskforce has also eradicated 401,458 plants and seized 139 firearms. The UCETF aims to increase cannabis enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners to protect consumer and public safety, safeguard the environment, and combat illegal cannabis operators and transnational criminal organizations.

State agencies and departments participating in UCETF operations during Q1 2024 include the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Department of Cannabis Control, Employment Development Department, Department of Fish and Wildlife, California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, California State Parks, and the Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Federal and local partners also assisted with the enforcement operations.

For more information about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit www.cannabis.ca.gov.